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GORDON POTTINGER Obituary pic GORDON POTTINGER Obituary pic

GORDON POTTINGER

Born: Mar 09, 1951

Date of Passing: Nov 12, 2024

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GORDON POTTINGER

March 9, 1951 - November 12, 2024


It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Thomas Pottinger on November 12, 2024, at the age of 73, at St. Boniface Hospital.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind his wife Lynda; daughters, Kimberly (Ian) and Kellee (Adam); granddaughters, Chelsey (Connor) and Bradi; and brothers, Norman (Dawn) and David (Sandra), mother-in-law, Carrol Wronski, niece Angie (Grant) and many other family members. He was predeceased by his mother and father Daisy and Thomas, sister Louise, brothers, Lloyd and Harvey, nephew Steve, niece Tracy and father-in-law Joe Wronski.

Gord joined the Winnipeg Fire Department in 1976, dedicating 30 years of service and retiring as a Captain on April 30, 2006. Firefighting was not just his career, it was his true calling; fueling countless stories that leave a legacy. Among his many achievements, he made history as the first to rappel down the TD building as the High-Angle Response Team Leader. Yet, no single fire or emergency stood out above another in importance—it was his passion and dedication that defined him. Gord was always eager to be the first one in.

Inducted into the Manitoba Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2013, he collected 12 championships over 22 years in both field and box lacrosse, maintaining status as a top scorer throughout. After retiring as a player, he spent years giving back to the next generation of players as a head coach, leading his teams to many victories.

Gord was a beloved member of the Elmwood community, where he proudly raised his family. For years, he could be seen on daily walks around the neighborhood, cleaning up graffiti, and helping wherever he saw a need. He took pride in everything he did—from hanging a shelf or installing a fence to renovating a bathroom—you could be sure it was done straight, done right, and built to last.

From marriage, fatherhood, and grandfather-hood, to firefighting, friendship, lacrosse, and hockey, Gord gave everything his all. He had an incredible ability to see people for who they truly were and to lift them up simply by being around him.

The family would like to thank Palliative Care, Ostomy Manitoba, CancerCare Manitoba, Dr. Wong, Kim, Dr. Helewa, and their care teams for the kindness and care they provided throughout his battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honour at the Elmwood Royal Canadian Legion, located at 920 Narin Avenue, on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gord’s name to CancerCare Manitoba.



Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 19, 2024, Nov 19, 2024

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • My deepest sympathy to Gord’s family at this sad time. My late husband, firefighter Murray Eastoe, was a friend of Gord’s and they always had good times together, in and outside of work. He came to our house to visit with Murray every now and then (installed our kitchen flooring for us too) - and I remember Murray calling him Potty. I’m sure he will be missed, just like I miss Murray. Continue on the journey with courage, as Gord would want you to do. - Posted by: Donna Eastoe (Friend) on: Dec 04, 2024

  • I worked on the same shift as Potty for years. Great firefighter and a good guy. As a young firefighter, he was one of those guys that you knew you should stick close to and learn something that might save your life, or someone elses someday. His family was always his second job and I looked up to him for that too. My condolences to his family. Guys like that leave a big hole. - Posted by: Scott Miner (Collegue) on: Nov 24, 2024

  • Gord was a great team mate as we enjoyed time together on Team Manitoba lacrosse, rest in peace my friend - Posted by: Calvin Brent Gogal (Friend/Team mate) on: Nov 23, 2024

  • My condolences to Lynda and Gord’s family. I only knew Gord for a short time and he became a great friend! What a wonderful person, rest in peace my friend! - Posted by: Leo Gosselin (Friend My condolences ) on: Nov 23, 2024

  • My sincerest condolences to the Pottinger Family. I first met Gord about 31 years ago at a certain establishment. I was wearing a Firefighter Burn Fund Shirt at the time. Gord came up to me and asked if I was a Firefighter. I told him I was in the application process. Gord being the person he was took an interest in me and spoke with me at length. He said he didn't know if it will make a difference, but he would give Les Brown a call, who was in the Academy at the time, and mention my name. Potty was always willing to help and invited me to visit him at the station. His second question was "Do you play hockey?". I did and played against Gord in the Firefighter Hockey League. A few years ago I stopped by Gord's home in the firetruck to say hi. He really appreciated that and we had a great conversation. Gord, your kindness and pleasant personality will be missed. - Posted by: Brad Mazor (Firefighter friend) on: Nov 22, 2024

  • I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends. I had the pleasure of working sparingly with Gord, and it was just awesome. He had a way of doing things that made it pleasant, meaningful drills, feedback from calls we just did, not just critics but also what you did good. His critics were constructive so you would learn, they were delivered in a positive, constructive way. I wish I would have had him as a regular captain, instead of just occasionally, when his station needed a firefighter. I only have good memories for the time spent in his company. RIP Gord. - Posted by: Andre Couture (Coworker) on: Nov 21, 2024

  • So terribly sorry to hear of Gordy's passing. Our condolences to Lynda and family. Gordy was a great friend. So glad I had a lovely visit with both of you a few weeks ago, little did I know it would be my last visit with him. We went way back on the fire dept, have a lot of great memories, and stories to tell, got a chance to have a few laughs on that last visit. RIP my old friend. - Posted by: wayne and linda engstrom (friend) on: Nov 20, 2024

  • I worked with Potty for 30 years and he was one of the best. He was passionate about any thing he did. When ever the crap hit the fan you could count on him. To his family my deepest condolences. My favorite Verse in the Bible is " To be absent from the body is to be with the Lord". Potty is in good hands now. See you again Potty. God take care of him and his Family. - Posted by: ken barnett (Brother Firefighter) on: Nov 19, 2024

  • So sorry for your loss. I only had the pleasure of working with Mr. Hockey for a short period of time. But in that short time he made a huge impression on me, and I admired his genuine good natured personality. My first fire was with him out of 5 station. Like you said he was first in, and last out. - Posted by: Hugh Duncan (Rookie Firefighter back in 2001) on: Nov 19, 2024

  • Gord was such a great guy to work with. We worked together at 2 Station and that is where we got to know each other. So many memories and he will be remembered exactly as described in his obituary. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Duane Vaags (coworker) on: Nov 19, 2024

  • Our deepest sympathies to the Pottinger Family. Gord will be truly at our social functions. Sincerely Harry & Carol Zubriski - Posted by: Harry and Carol Zubriski (Fellow fighter) on: Nov 19, 2024

  • My deepest condolences to the family knew Gord at the fire hall for many years worked with him played hockey with him in the fire department league and enjoyed his company immensely he will definitely be missed rest in peace Gord - Posted by: Harry Salamacha (Friend ) on: Nov 19, 2024

  • I am deeply saddened to learn of Gord's passing. From our years of playing lacrosse, both against each other in league play and as teammates on provincial teams, I knew Potty as an outstanding two-way player and a no quit, passionate competitor who gave all he had for the team. More importantly, Gord was a good man and awesome person, He treated everyone with consideration and respect and made you feel valued and appreciated. He will be missed. Deepest condolences to Gord's family. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Dave Gillis (friend) on: Nov 19, 2024

  • Another GOOD guy gone too soon! Potty as we all knew him was a great friend brother coach. I knew Gord mostly from the Firefighter hockey league where he treated everybody the same and always gave me a less talented player tips and encouragement before during and after game - Posted by: Sid Ruta (Firefighter friend) on: Nov 19, 2024

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